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Friday, July 22, 2011

Orlando's WLOQ Sold Because of Retirement

Orlando, FL's last locally owned FM jazz station WLOQ has been sold because CEO John Gross took a medical retirement in January, the station’s vice president and general manager stated in a website statement this week.

According to the Orlando Business Journal, WLOQ will be sold to TTB Media Corp. for a little more than $8 million, according to documents filed with the Federal Communications Commission. Pete DeSimone, vice president and general manager for WLOQ, said a decision about a format change won’t be known until the new owners come in Aug. 1.

“The biggest concern for the Gross family is treating the employees fairly through this tough transition,” DeSimone said. “It’s been a really tough decision for the family, but it is the correct decision. The focus is on the employees at this time.”
To our many advertisers and friends, 
It is with much sadness, yet also with great thanks and appreciation that I share with you my family's decision to sell 103.1 WLOQ and exit Orlando radio after 34 wonderful years. 
What can one say about a family, radio staff, and you...  all who have been responsible for creating the iconic format and community that is 103.1 WLOQ?  "The first of its kind", "family owned & operated", "the last of the independents" - these and every phrase fall short, when describing what has been life long friendships of the rarest kind. 
From the Gross family, past and present staff at 103.1 WLOQ, please join us in our final weeks on-air as we bring listeners, past personalities, musical super stars, community builders, and you together for one last celebration of all things 103.1 WLOQ.  You won't want to miss it! 
Once again, on behalf of my family and staff please accept our deepest gratitude and most heartfelt thanks for 34 fantastic years!  Our very best wishes to you and yours.  
Sincerely,
Jim GrossCo-CEO 
Gross Communications Corporation
Posted

4 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 31, 2011 at 6:30 PM

    what is with every major city giving up its loyal, adult followers? We have enough rap,rock and pop stations competing with each other already!I listen to all genres of music, but do not want to be hyped all the time-everyone needs to chill and relax. Why are all the major cities cancelling the smooth jazz/jazz stations.This is just terrible!
    Mena Orlando/Atl/Detroit

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  2. AnonymousAugust 1, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    How very sad. The only decent jazz venue in Orlando is gone....no doubt to be replaced by a 'younger' type of station. It was a good run and I'm thankful to have spent the last 34 years listening to them. I'll miss the Sounds of Brazil, the most.

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  3. AnonymousAugust 7, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    Another spanish channel, like we needed more....

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  4. AnonymousAugust 17, 2011 at 5:03 PM

    First we lose smooth Jazz Tampa, now we lost Orlando. Very disappointed. Now no Jazz stations that I know of for Central Florida or Florida at all that I know of. I agree with last anonymous comment!!

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